If you’re going to sacrifice your time and body for the love of combat sports then you want to trust the products you fuel up with. You want to invest your money in products that are safe, effective, and specific to your needs. With a ton of supplement brands out there, we found the top five that go above and beyond for the MMA fighter, BJJ grappler, and Combat Sports enthusiast.
In an age when everyone is looking for an edge, thanks to the latest scientific research, nutritional supplements can give you that edge. Whether it’s the extra rounds from your beta-alanine, the mental focus from your pre-workout, or the recovery benefits from your BCAAs and protein, supplements are made to help before, during, and after training.
As a combat athlete, you need a healthy mix of strength, endurance, focus, and stamina. If you’re training in the ring or on the mats, as well as lifting weights, recovery is of the highest priority. The following brands have taken these needs into consideration and offer products to optimize your performance as a fighter.
ATH Organics
Based out of Hawaii, ATH creates natural supplements that are minimally processed. A lot of supplement companies today use fillers to bulk up their products, which is useless crap your body doesn’t need. ATH is transparent with their ingredients and uses organic ingredients whenever possible. Their products use zero artificial flavorings, sweeteners, and coloring, and are made from start to finish in the USA. We like their Post 31 Muscle Recovery and Hemp Gold Energy Bars.
Why we like ‘em:
They’re dedicated to the Jiu Jitsu and surf lifestyles, sponsoring many high level BJJ athletes, and use organic ingredients with a money back guarantee.
MusclePharm
This supplement giant has shifted gears over the last few years, appointing a new CEO (who is a Jiu Jitsu brown belt) and upping their dedication to quality and effectiveness. What started as a supplement company for football players has pivoted toward fringe sports like MMA and Jiu Jitsu. The company even hosts charity Jiu Jitsu events at their state-of-the-art headquarters. The biggest change to note is their dedication to research and development within the MP Sports Science Institute. The team at MP puts their products through rigorous laboratory testing to ensure the safety and effectiveness of what they offer. We like the Assault pre-workout to get us in the zone.
Why we like ‘em:
Their dedication to safety, quality, and effectiveness is unparalleled. Plus they have a sweet training facility and their new MMA squad is packed with savages.
Q5 Sports Nutrition
Q5 is a small supplement company created for combat athletes by combat athletes. The founder, Bill Thomas, was a combat athlete who believed he was destined for a life of soreness, poor recovery, and sub-optimal performance as he aged. After years of research and self-testing he found that through supplementation he could regain his fleeting abilities. Now he offers products specific to those who abuse their bodies in the gym and on the mats. We like the Warrior Greens.
Why we like ‘em:
They’re small, which means they take enormous pride in their products and are easily accessible. They also create products specifically for combat athletes, like Joint Armor.
Onnit
If you do combat sports and cant recall hearing of Onnit you may have been hit in the head too many times. This brand has boomed to the forefront of unconventional fitness and offers a wealth of free info on their website. They also produce high quality supplements designed to make you perform optimally. In fact, their motto is “total human optimization” meaning, they provide the means for athletes to thrive, via supplementation, equipment, and the latest fitness knowledge. They sponsor top tier combat athletes and have a Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai training facility within their headquarters. We like their flagship product, Alpha BRAIN, for cognitive enhancement.
Why we like ‘em:
Their dedication to free fitness, health, and nutrition information available to all is unrivaled. Plus BJJ black belt and MMA expert, Joe Rogan, is part owner and he’s cool as fuck.
Purps
Although Purps isn’t a traditional supplement company in the sense, they do offer organic drinks to enhance energy and improve hydration. Founded by World Champion Surfer, Kelly Slater, RVCA founder, Pat Tenore, and Dr. Chris Schaumburg, the three came together to offer premium nutrition products while giving back in the process. Their goal is to inspire youth to chose a healthier lifestyle, and the team has put on a series of athletic events like surf contests, golf tournaments, and bike rides to spread their message. You can often spot many Southern California grapplers sippin’ on some Purps during training and competitions.
Why we like ‘em:
They give back. It’s not like the founders were exactly hurting for cash when they started Purps. Instead they developed a nutritional line to provide healthier options and spread the healthy lifestyle to today’s youth. Plus Kelly Slater and Pat Tenore are both avid Jiu Jitsu practitioners and MMA supporters…osssss.